With his 38th birthday in little over a month, Novak Djokovic is understandably thinking of his legacy when he finally bows out of tennis.
But the 24-time Grand Slam champion is in the midst of a late-career quest with a 100th Tour title and a record 25th Grand Slam hanging in the balance.
The Serb lifted his last trophy in Paris, winning gold at the Games. He missed out on his title century a week ago, losing the Miami final.
But Djokovic remains optimistic about someday going out with a bang as the last of the ATP Big 4: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, himself and his current coach Andy Murray.
“I don’t think (I would quit before pushing to achieve his goals), but you never know,” he said on Sunday prior to his start at the Monte Carlo Masters.
“I still have gas left in the tank and I’ve proven that I can still play at a high level.
“It gives me satisfaction to compete (well) on court.”
He explained his dilemma: “There is a group which thinks I should leave tennis on a high, which I understand. They thought I should have left after winning Olympic gold.
“But you never know what the future will bring. I would love to win my 100th title and another Grand Slam. If I could sign for that, I would.
“But it’s a big mountain to climb and I’m hoping for the best.”
